So promising for Gosden

Trainer John Gosden has often utilised the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes as a stepping stone for his premier fillies and SO MI DAR (York, 3.45) can follow prestigious predecessors Star Of Seville, The Fugue and Joviality with victory today.

in any other year, the daughter of Dubawi would be a strong fancy for next month’s epsom Oaks, but the likely presence of impressive 1,000 Guineas heroine Minding has ensured the charge of Gosden (right) has gone under the radar.

That may change today as So Mi Dar bids to build on her success in the investec Derby Trial at epsom three weeks ago, when she beat several fancied colts. Two of those, Humphrey Bogart and Viren’s army, have both enhanced the form subsequently with victory in their respective Derby trials and the stage is set for the selection to retain her unbeaten record. Fans of Minding will be hoping Fireglow can boost her Guineas form with victory over So Mi Dar. The filly, trained by Mark Johnston, looked as though she would appreciate a step up in trip after getting outpaced by Minding at newmarket and could prove the stiffest opposition to today’s favourite. Meanwhile, a 12- strong field will compete for tomorrow’s Betfred Dante Stakes, with the well-bred Midterm, ante-post favourite for the epsom Derby, 11-8 with Coral to book his place with a win.

Sir Michael Stoute’s unbeaten colt faces challenges from the Gosden- trained Foundation and Wings of Desire and aidan O’Brien’s Deauville and Black Sea. TRIBUTES have been paid to 2008 Grand national winner Comply Or Die, who has died aged 17. Trained by David Pipe, he also finished runner-up in the 2009 national. Pipe said: ‘He was a tough, genuine and lovable horse who provided me with the highlight of my career to date.’

Last month’s national winner rule The World has been retired by Gigginstown House Stud.